Digital Payment Company Adapts to a Digital Environment in a Move to Become a Symbol Brand Reinvention in the digital age calls for modern simplicity said Raja Rajamannar chief marketing and communication officer at Mastercard And with more than 80 percent of people spontaneously recognizing the Mastercard Symbol without the word mastercard we felt ready to take this next step in our brand evolution We are proud of our rich brand heritage and are excited to see the iconic circles standing on their own The red and yellow interlocking circles have been the hallmark of the Mastercard brand for more than 50 years symbolizing the brands promise to connect people to Priceless possibilities The instantaneously recognizable circles are a powerful symbol that bring people closer to their passions and give them the confidence and trust that their transactions are secure We live in a time where increasingly we communicate not through words but through icons and symbols Mastercard has had the great fortune of being represented by two interlocking circles one red one yellow since its founding in 1966 said Michael Bierut partner at Pentagram Now by allowing this symbol to shine on its own Mastercard enters an elite cadre of brands that are represented not by name but by symbol an apple a target a swoosh Mastercards two interlocking circles have always represented their commitment to connecting people Now that commitment is given greater presence by Mastercards status as a symbol brand About Mastercard Mastercard NYSE MA wwwmastercardcom is a technology company in the global payments industry Our global payments processing network connects consumers financial institutions merchants governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities such as shopping traveling running a business and managing finances easier more secure and more efficient for everyone Follow us on Twitter MastercardNews join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau Media Contact Jennifer Stalzer